Yes, you read that right. In the weightless world of space, gravity doesnāt exist to pull water downwards like it does here on Earth. Normally, gravity allows water to flow through pipes and run smoothly off our bodiesābut in space, things work very differently. Water behaves in a strange and fascinating way: it forms into floating blobs that drift through the air and cling to surfacesābe it skin, hair, or even sensitive electronic equipment. Because of this, taking a regular shower on the International Space Station isnāt just impracticalāitās downright dangerous and messy. šµāš«
So how do astronauts keep clean while orbiting Earth?š¤
They rely on a special set of rinseless hygiene products designed specifically for space life. To cleanse their bodies, they use moist towelettesālarger versions of baby wipesāthat gently remove sweat and dirt without needing any water. And when it comes to washing their hair, thereās no running tap. Instead, they use no-rinse shampoo, massaging it into the scalp and wiping it off with a towel. Itās a water-free routine that takes some getting used to. Even laundry doesnāt work the same way in spaceāastronauts donāt wash their clothes at all! They wear each outfit for a few days, and when itās too dirty to keep using, itās simply discarded.
Maintaining hygiene in space might sound straightforward, but itās one of the more unusual and creative aspects of life beyond our planet. With water behaving so differently in microgravity, every drop has to be handled with careānot just for comfort, but for health and safety too.
So, do you think you could survive the no-shower life of an astronaut?